Traveling With Finesse

33 Best Day Trips From San Francisco in 2023

33 Best Day Trips From San Francisco in 2023


San Francisco is a kind of magical cities – a bucket listing vacation vacation spot in the US, assured to make you’re feeling like you’re stepping right into a film set. Whether heading to the curvy Lombard Street or museum hopping between the Palace of Fine Arts and California Academy of Science, there are various issues to do in San Francisco.

And whereas it doesn’t have a quaint downtown space, as a substitute having super-sized skyscrapers and a continuing buzz, San Fran is an thrilling place to go to. San Fran is an excellent spot in Northern California, and we are able to see why you wish to go to a lot. So with all this thought of, why would you want to depart, even only for a day journey? These 33 best-day journeys from San Francisco will reply that for us.

33 Best Day Trips from San Francisco

If you’ve got greater than 72 hours in San Francisco, a day journey ought to positively be in your playing cards. The metropolis is ideally located to offer you a launchpad to discover the encompassing space. You might head off to the Santa Cruz Mountains or nip to the Golden Gate Bridge on an prolonged day journey. There are simply so many choices with regards to day-tripping from San Fran. These are your prime 33 selections.

Planning Your Trip To San Francisco Right Now?

Below are among the prime excursions for Day Trips from San Francisco. Don’t overlook to plan forward when visiting California!

Top Day Trips and Tours from San Francisco:

1. Monterey

Best Day Trips From San Francisco Monterey
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What do sardines and John Steinbeck have in frequent? Monterey is a coastal metropolis south of San Fran. Monterey is an ideal day journey from San Francisco, providing a extra compact really feel than its bigger neighbor. The metropolis is an image of coastal dwelling, with cutesy and ever-so-slightly-tacky reward outlets and loads of seafood eating places. Its greatest sights are the well-known Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, all the time alive with over-the-water actions and cultural occasions.

Best Day Trips From San Francisco Monterey Bay Aquarium
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At only a 2-hour drive every means, it’s a positively possible day journey in the event you lease a automobile. You’ll be driving by means of the San Francisco Bay Area and have a decide and mixture of little waterfront cities and cities to select from as stop-off factors. This fairly little seaside spot is a perfect addition to an ocean lover’s itinerary and anybody who desires a little bit of tacky seafront dwelling for a day.

Make positive to take a look at our submit on the Best Things to do in Monterey for extra concepts.

Distance from San Francisco: 2-hour drive

2. Sonoma

Best Day Trips From San Francisco Sonoma Wine
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Sonoma is a historic metropolis to day journey to and much more tempting for any wine lovers because it’s in the midst of the wine-tasting area of Sonoma Valley. Colonial buildings strew the historic downtown, and there’s even the Mission San Francisco Solano for some non secular historical past. However, equally, there are over 10 wine-tasting homes inside strolling distance of town middle in the event you’d want to take pleasure in some vino. Sonoma is the perfect mix between historical past and wine and a phenomenal spot for a day journey. It is simply an hour’s drive north of San Fran or a 2.5-hour bus experience in the event you’d want to have a drink whereas visiting.

Best Day Trips From San Francisco Sonoma
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Photo Credit Visit California

Sonoma isn’t simply an grownup day journey both; town has Sonoma Train Town Railroad, an amusement park with a miniature prepare taking friends to a mannequin city. You can rapidly flip this vacation spot right into a family-friendly day journey.

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour’s drive or 2.5-hours by public transport

3. Sausalito

Best Day Trips From San Francisco Sausalito
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Photo Credit Visit California

Sausalito is a dreamy seashore neighborhood and a vibrant spot for a day journey in the event you keep in San Fran for a number of days. The most spectacular a part of town is its neighborhood of floating properties and brightly coloured art work. You go to Sausalito to admire it and simply stroll across the metropolis middle for a day. Its architectural and portray views are spectacular. As the icing on the cake, Sausalito additionally has lovely views of the San Francisco Bay Area and its iconic bridge. And in the event you fancy an journey, you’ll be able to catch the ferry throughout to go to.

San Francisco guests are doubtless day-tripping to the Golden Gate Bridge anyway, so Sausalito is the simplest detour. You can simply mix it with day journeys to the bridge and Golden Gate National Recreation Area, particularly if you wish to drop in for one thing to eat, as Sausalito has some glorious waterfront eateries.

Distance from San Francisco: 30-minutes by ferry

4. Oakland

Best Day Trips From San Francisco Oakland
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Photo Credit Visit California

Sitting tucked in amongst varied neighborhoods in East Bay, Oakland is the most important East Bay metropolis in the San Francisco Bay Area. For many, it’s the ‘Brooklyn’ to San Fran’s ‘New York’ enchantment. The metropolis throughout the water is San Francisco’s good counterpart, providing a phenomenal bridge and a extra stylish vibe. Oakland has avenue artwork murals, Victorian structure, artwork deco theaters, and a ton of eating places and bars. And the nightlife and hospitality scene is past thriving.

You can catch the ferry on to Jack London Square, a considerable glitzy marina with a phenomenal waterfront promenade. If you need someplace you’ll be able to go to utilizing public transport on a day journey from San Fran metropolis middle, Oakland is right. No automobile is important.

Distance from San Francisco: 13-minutes by ferry

5. Alcatraz Island

Best Day Trips From San Francisco Alcatraz Island
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Photo Credit Visit California/Max Whittaker

Alcatraz Island is a day journey that seems on nearly each itinerary for San Fran. But don’t let its mainstream attract put you off. This infamous jail was as soon as dwelling to among the most feared criminals in US historical past, together with Al Capone. Surrounded by fierce waves, rumored sharks, and intense surveillance, escape from this island jail was close to unimaginable and nearly all the time deadly. Luckily, this jail is retired from responsibility and is now accessible as a vacationer vacation spot and engaging museum. Just soar on a daily ferry, and also you’ll be capable to discover – guided by an info-packed audio information,

The ferry takes lower than an hour, and also you’ll journey parallel to the Golden Gate, so count on sensible views. Tickets are a bit of expensive for the day tour ferry, entrance, and audio tour, totaling round $35+ per particular person. However, the expertise is effectively value it. Alcatraz Island is infamous and completely well-known in prison historical past.

Distance from San Francisco: 1-hour

6. Lake Tahoe

best day trips from san francisco lake tahoe
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Lake Tahoe is a surprising lake break up in half by the Nevada and California border. As the most important alpine lake in North America, it’s a raging hotspot for watersports from spring to fall. While in winter, the mountains that again the lake turn out to be extremely wanted for snowboarding and snowboarding. There are so many issues to do in Lake Tahoe, particularly in the event you love outside actions. For a day of snowboarding or watersports, Lake Tahoe is a agency favourite of San Fran’s day journey choices. And in the event you fancy a flutter with playing, it’s one of the vital accessible locations to cross the Nevada border to succeed in authorized casinos.

best day trips from san francisco lake tahoe casinos
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Lake Tahoe is 3.5 hours away from San Fran by automobile, chopping by means of Sacramento and Tahoe National Forest or Eldorado National Forest. If you’ll be able to insure a number of drivers on a rental automobile, it is a possible day journey whenever you rotate driving time between individuals. And in the event you set off early sufficient, you’ll be capable to take pleasure in a full day of out of doors actions.

Distance from San Francisco: 3.5-hours by automobile

7. Berkeley

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Photo Credit Visit California/Bongo

Berkeley is a hub of schooling and educational status. So in the event you fancy visiting one of the vital prestigious properties of schooling in the US, it is a good day journey from San Francisco metropolis middle. As you’d count on, there are various museums in Berkeley, together with the Berkeley Natural History Museum and Lawrence Hall of Science. Berkeley Art Museum can be effectively value a go to, and there are some lovely parks the place you’ll be able to decide up a ebook and embrace your internal academia. The metropolis is filled with tradition and an underrated day journey from San Fran. Berkeley is for you in the event you fancy experiencing among the educational aesthetic but venturing off the overwhelmed path.

Berkeley can be straightforward to go to from San Fran, taking simply 20 minutes by automobile or 45 minutes by public transport. Easy.

Distance from San Francisco: 20-minutes by automobile or 45-minutes by public transport

8. Reno

best day trips from san francisco reno sign
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Reno is one other cross-border choice and a superb probability to enterprise into Nevada whereas staying in San Fran. Who wouldn’t wish to squeeze two states into one journey? And by automobile, Reno is likely one of the closest locations in Nevada, taking simply 3.5 hours to succeed in a method. If you’ve got somebody to share the driving with, you’ll be able to simply rotate driving time and squeeze a visit to Reno into your itinerary.

best day trips from san francisco reno downtown
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Enough on that, although; why must you really go to in the primary place? First, it has the nickname ‘the biggest little city in the world,’ which is an appreciative nod to its assortment of sights. These sights embrace the Nevada Museum of Art, the National Automobile Museum, and the Fleischmann Planetarium. Reno can be thought of a extra budget-friendly different to Vegas, so in the event you fancy a day journey of partying (no alcohol included until you decide a chosen river), it’s supreme. We have an entire information devoted to the perfect issues to do in Reno!

Distance from San Francisco: 3.5 hours by automobile one-way

9. Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Best Day Trips From San Francisco Turtle Bay Exploration Park
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Visit California/Myles McGuinness

The 300-acre Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a phenomenal not-for-profit day-tripping spot. You’ll be surrounded by forest and scenic river trails, however with the choice for indoor sights as effectively. The park has a museum, botanical backyard, wildlife middle, and forest camp. If you fancy a day journey with the whole lot in one place, Turtle Bay Exploration Park has all of the comfort of assorted sights and actions in one spot. It is a comparatively prolonged 3-hour and 20-minute drive from San Fran, but the quantity of issues to do in the park justifies the journey. You pay a single entrance charge and get entry to the whole lot.

If you’ve got a couple of particular person insured in your rental automobile, we’d counsel driving to Turtle Bay Exploration Park through Sacramento. Sacramento makes a wonderful stopover level. This drive is a bit longer at 4 hours, however combining two sights in one journey is effectively value it.

Distance from San Francisco: 3-4 hours relying in your route

10. Big Sur

best day trips from san francisco big sur
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If you’ve already researched the perfect highway journeys from San Francisco, you’ll know all about Big Sur. This stretch of central Californian shoreline is likely one of the most dramatic drives you may make in the US, with highways cuts into the cliffside overlooking seashore after seashore and skipping between coastal cities. If you’ll be able to hack it, the 4.5-hour drive to the Big Sur Lookout is likely one of the hottest day journey locations. You’ll be taking a look at a 9-hour spherical journey, however the dramatic views will make all of it worthwhile. Skirting the elegant fringe of the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, you’ll be passing probably the most scenic surroundings in the state.

best day trips from san francisco big sur bridge
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The greatest issues to do en route are visiting Gamboa Point, Bixby Creek Bridge, and climbing the Partington Cove path. Henry Miller Memorial Library is one other sensible attraction on the way in which, with common readings and dwell music on the creator’s previous residence.

Distance from San Francisco: 4.5 hours by automobile

11. Drive the Skyline Boulevard to the Silicon Valley Vista Point

Best Day Trips From San Francisco Skyline Boulevard Fort Funston
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Skyline Boulevard is probably the most scenic drive from the San Fran metropolis middle. For anybody, a bit of delay by the size of a highway journey to Big Sur, Skyline Boulevard is the most suitable choice and is only a 2-hour spherical journey – a lot simpler than 9 hours straight on the highway. Attractions alongside the way in which embrace Pulgas Water Temple, Filoli Historic House & Garden, and tons of nature preserves. You’ll be hopping in and out and seeing many various issues. Finishing on the famend Silicon Valley Vista Point, this mini highway journey is a bitesize introduction to the character surrounding San Francisco.

Take benefit of a highway journey expertise in northern California. California is the state of all highway journeys, so it’s thrilling to lease a automobile and work some wheels. This is a prime San Fran day journey if you need an entry-level highway journey expertise.

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automobile

12. Sebastopol

Best Day Trips From San Francisco Sebastopol
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Photo Credit Visit California/David H. Collier

Sebastopol is likely one of the most unusually named day journeys from San Francisco. Some say its identify originated from a bar battle likened to a siege in the Crimean War, however actually, it’s a little bit of a thriller. Another declare to fame it has internationally is being a movie set location in 13 Reasons Why – an enormous Netflix hit in latest years. It is a metropolis for vacationers to benefit from the wine tasting in Sonoma Valley and quirky sights like Florence Avenue’s Trash Art and the West Country Museum. Walkable and filled with character, it is a wonderful different to extra mainstream Sonoma.

Sebastopol is an hour and quarter-hour drive from San Fran or 2.5 hours by public transport. This day journey is definitely squeezed right into a half or full-day expertise

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour and quarter-hour by automobile or 2.5 hours by public transport.

13. Pescadero

Best Day Trips From San Francisco Pescadero State Beach
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This tiny city south of San Fran is someplace you most likely wouldn’t even assume to hover over on a map, not to mention set up as one among your day journeys. So, what precisely makes this spot so distinctive? Aside from the much-loved Duarte’s Tavern (a neighborhood vivid pink restaurant), the city’s entry to the Sequoia Audubon Trail attracts probably the most guests. This path is flat and straightforward to handle, even with younger kids, but it surely has unmatched chicken watching and delightful tide swimming pools. There are different close by trails, together with Pescadero Marsh Trail and a hike to the Historic Nunziati Trout Ponds. Pescadero is ready in among the most lovely but lesser-visited nature preserves and has some traditional surroundings.

It’s a easy drive an hour south of town to get there. This is likely one of the shortest day journeys from San Fran, and when you’ll want a automobile, reserving a rental for a day is straightforward.

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automobile

14. Santa Cruz

Day Trips From San Francisco Pacific ocean views from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk
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Everyone has heard of Santa Cruz. We’ll maintain our fingers up and say that it’s best to ebook an in a single day keep to get probably the most out of your go to. But in the event you solely have a day journey, you’ll be able to condense your journey into only a few actions. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the spotlight, and this amusement park has some improbable rides dotted alongside its mile of sandy seashore. For a carefree coastal getaway, Santa Cruz actually hits the spot. Remember to go to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, one of many quirkiest sights close to San Fran.

Just 1.5 hours away from San Fran by automobile, Santa Cruz is a straightforward day journey logistics-wise. While in the event you do have to take public transport, it’s nonetheless possible as only a 2.5-hour journey.

Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours by automobile or 2.5 hours by public transport

15. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

best day trips from san francisco point lobos
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Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a spot of actual magnificence with many fabulous sights inside park boundaries. These sights embrace Sea Lion Cove, the place you’ll be able to admire a great deal of sunbathing sea lions from a phenomenal vantage level. If you desire a nature reserve that gives extra encounter-like experiences, Point Lobos offers extra than simply nature trails. Other animals you’ll be able to spot are sea otters and seals – Point Lobos is like an moral free-range zoo. Bring binoculars and a digital camera and luxuriate in a full time out amongst wildlife.

best day trips from san francisco big sur point lobos
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Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is only a 2-hour and 20-minute drive from San Fran. This is a possible and pleasant day journey choice, particularly in the event you love animals and having wild encounters.

Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours and 20 minutes by automobile

16. Los Gatos

Best Day Trips From San Francisco Los Gatos Vasona Park
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Los Gatos is likely one of the shortest day journeys from San Francisco. Named ‘the cats’ after the bobcats that when skirted the outskirts of the Bay Area, Los Gatos is a closing outpost earlier than suburbia reaches the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. It is a nice space to discover on foot, with Vasona Lake County Park, a handful of wineries, and plenty of Victorian-era properties and structure. In quick, Los Gatos is a lesser-visited day journey for vacationers and an unbelievable hybrid of stylish and purely healthful. Los Gatos is that spot if you wish to take aesthetic images and seize a espresso at a family-friendly cafe.

Just an hour away from San Fran by automobile, this is likely one of the most handy day journeys from town middle. You’ll doubtless must drive, however organizing with many rental automobile corporations remains to be manageable.

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automobile

17. San Jose

best day trips from san francisco san jose
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San Jose is cool, and there’s no level denying it. The metropolis is called a hub of expertise and growth. While it was dwelling to the world’s first radio broadcasting station, it continues to offer cutting-edge tech developments. You also can go to the primary broadcasting station, and Mount Hamilton has the world’s third-largest optical refracting telescope on show. Of course, you’ll wish to go to Silicon Valley. The historic downtown space has different sights, too, although, like Winchester Mystery House. There are so many issues to do in San Jose.

best day trips from san francisco san jose cathedral
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Aside from all its sights, San Jose is only a quick drive from San Fran. You could be in town middle in half-hour in the event you drive – which is sensible day journey journey time in this information.

Distance from San Francisco: half-hour by automobile or an hour by prepare

18. Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

Day Trips From San Francisco Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
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Fancy going horseback driving or climbing throughout a 1,400-acre reserve with big redwood timber? Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is an unbelievable day journey from San Fran. There are 6 miles of climbing and horseback driving trails, and also you’ll be climbing or driving by means of fir and redwood forests. Of course, today journey attracts horseback riders and nature lovers. However, seeing redwood timber on a day journey from San Francisco can be supreme. It is the one of many closest redwood websites to San Fran metropolis middle and could be reached in simply 1 hour by automobile – dreamy.

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automobile

19. Mount Tamalpais State Park

Best Day Trips From San Francisco Mount Tamalpais
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Mount Tamalpais State Park proves that you just don’t want nationwide parks to have a improbable time in nature. State parks are the following neatest thing, and typically, even higher. When visiting San Francisco, Mount Tamalpais State Park has attractive redwood groves and a 2,571-foot mountain with panoramic views. Mount Tamalpais State Park has climbing and biking trails and is a agency favourite for outside exploration from San Francisco. If you’re keen on climbing trails, get your climbing boots and head off for a full day of pleasure.

Mount Tamalpais State Park is only a 50-minute drive away. It is greatest for individuals who need ridge and mountain walks as, whereas it does have some redwoods, they’re few and much between.

Distance from San Francisco: 50 minutes by automobile or 1 hour 40 minutes by public transport

20. Sierra Nevada Mountains

Day Trips From San Francisco Sierra Nevada Mountains
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The Sierra Nevada Mountains are one of the vital ‘wow’ day journeys from San Francisco. The mountain vary extends over 250 miles and stretches to Los Angeles, the place you’ll discover the very best mountains. The mountains are well-known as an unlimited space with loads of sub-sections, together with nationwide parks like Yosemite. The Sierra Nevada Mountains are the place to go on a day journey from San Francisco for an final climbing, mountain biking, or climbing tour. You can ebook a guided tour or simply head there your self by renting a automobile.

Where you go to in the Sierra Nevada Mountains will depend on your preferences, as totally different areas have totally different actions and advantages. As a normal rule, permit at the least 4 hours one option to drive to the mountain vary’s hottest locations. And ebook an organized tour to keep away from spending hours driving.

Distance from San Francisco: 4 hours by automobile

21. Point Reyes National Seashore

Day Trips From San Francisco Point Reyes National Seashore
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Point Reyes National Seashore is on no account a measly-sized protect. The park is a whopping 71,000 acres in measurement and is only a 2-hour drive from San Francisco. It’s good it’s so shut as a result of you might return simply to see stuff you missed out on the primary time. Point Reyes National Seashore is dwelling to an enormous colony of elephant seals. It is likely one of the greatest wildlife recognizing websites close to San Francisco.

Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours by automobile

22. Yosemite National Park

best day trips from san francisco yosemite
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You will certainly already know Yosemite National Park. Yosemite is effectively value a protracted journey day, however most likely not a lot in the event you drive. The journey from San Francisco to the principle customer middle is almost 5 hours by automobile, which is difficult, even by US requirements, the place the whole lot is much aside.

best day trips from san francisco yosemite national park
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There’s a straightforward means round that, although: to ebook a guided tour. This means, you’ll take pleasure in all of the highlights like Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome with out pushing your self an excessive amount of whereas driving. Some might name you loopy, however we are saying the world belongs to the courageous.

Distance from San Francisco: 5 hours by automobile

23. Steep Ravine Trail

For these with a way of journey and wanting a climbing path so diversified it seems like an impediment course, Steep Ravine Trail in Mount Tamalpais State Park is the way in which ahead. You’ll traverse the whole lot from picket bridges to rough-cut ladders and previous windy waterfall-side paths. And the entire time, you’ll have beautiful old-growth redwoods to maintain you content material with atmospheric backdrops. This 1.5-mile path is a phenomenal option to spend an hour or two.

Distance from San Francisco: 55 minutes by automobile or 2.5 hours by public transport

24. Stinson Beach

Best Day Trips From San Francisco Stinson Beach
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Stinson Beach is gorgeous, one of many greatest seashores in California for pure magnificence. The seashore snakes alongside a dramatic peninsula, backed by a same-name down with candy native outlets, together with a surf and kayak rental retailer. Regarding seashore days, Stinson Beach is probably the most spacious choice and a extremely handy selection – simply an hour away by automobile. Its waves get fairly uneven, so it’s positively extra of a surfer spot than a swimming spot, but it surely’s good for surfers or seashore bums.

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automobile or 2 hours by public transport

25. Angel Island State Park

best day trips from san francisco angel island
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You can’t beat a go to to Angel Island State Park for the perfect views of the San Francisco skyline. This ferry-accessible island is likely one of the prime day journeys from San Francisco. It is roofed in climbing and biking trails, with only one foremost highway looping the island’s circumference. Landing on the foremost ferry touchdown, lease a motorbike, and also you’ll be capable to discover in half a day. Treat your self to a snack on the Angel Island Cafe when you find yourself completed, and cease at seashores and the Fort McDowell ruins alongside your means.

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour and 20 minutes by public transport (together with a 45-minute ferry)

26. Carmel by the Sea

best day trips from san francisco carmel by the sea
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Carmel by the Sea is greatest identified for fairytale cottages and underwater experiences. Despite its metropolis standing, it has a seaside city vibe, and the cottages sprinkled all through town give it a whimsical really feel at random turns. The most well-known cottages are the Hansel and Gretel Cottages on Torres Street. However, you could possibly spend hours happening a seek for the prettiest. And whenever you aren’t doing that, there’s the white sand seashore and native outlets to take pleasure in.

best day trips from san francisco carmel beach
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There are many extra issues to do in Carmel by the Sea, so take a look at our information on the perfect actions for correct inspiration. Despite being 2 hours from San Fran by automobile, Carmel by the Sea is likely one of the greatest day journeys for a seashore day with a fairytale twist.

Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours by automobile

27. Natural Bridges State Beach

Best Day Trips From San Francisco Natural Bridges State Beach
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Natural Bridges State Beach is a phenomenal spot for a novelty seashore day with, you guessed it, pure bridges made out of its rock formations. At low tide, you’ll be able to stand up shut to those formations. But Natural Bridges State Beach can be a improbable day journey for wildlife watching – with possibilities of recognizing whales, starfish, butterflies, varied sea birds, and cute little seals. Definitely plan to go rock pooling (one more reason to go to at low tide) and produce a digital camera to doc your encounters.

Natural Bridges State Beach is a enjoyable day journey with a little bit of a wildlife-watching twist; even David Attenborough could be pleased with you for today journey from San Francisco.

Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours from San Francisco

28. Muir Woods National Monument

best day trips from san francisco muir woods
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Muir Woods National Monument is a big forest well-known for its big redwoods. Who doesn’t love redwoods? And at this park, you’ll be able to spot them in their a whole bunch. Stop by the customer middle for some additional data and steerage on the perfect routes and sights. There are some fantastic climbing trails, with some routes even appropriate for strollers.

At simply 45 minutes away from San Fran by automobile, Muir Woods National Monument is a straightforward day journey to arrange. You’ll even drive over the Golden Gate Bridge, which is completely dream-worthy.

Distance from San Francisco: 45 minutes by automobile or 2 hours by public transport

29. Napa Valley

best day trips from san francisco napa valley
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Napa Valley is adjoining to Sonoma Valley and a rival for wineries. The rolling hills are well-known for winery excursions on horseback, and you’ll normally spot a scorching air balloon experience overhead. Napa Valley is effectively value a go to, and you’ll ebook organized wine excursions to take advantage of the expertise. The last item you want is a DUI, so play your playing cards proper and take the switch choice.

best day trips from san francisco napa valley vineyard
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What is the distinction between Sonoma and Napa? Napa Valley is a bit more unique and so pricier. It is the luxe choice. And at about 1.5 hours away from San Francisco by automobile, not far with regards to day journeys.

Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours

30. Castle Rock State Park

Castle Rock State Park is likely one of the greatest day journeys from San Francisco if you need a 5,242-acre park of climbing trails, dramatic sandstone climbing alternatives, and loads of forests – together with redwood timber. The park is simply outdoors the ever-so-popular Los Gatos and is a straightforward drive from San Fran. You can take a look at one of many foremost climbing routes or attempt some climbing in case you are skilled sufficient and have the gear. For a enjoyable problem, it’s a scenic place and a option to escape town middle.

Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours by automobile

31. Golden Gate Bridge

best day trips from san francisco golden gate bridge
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The Golden Gate Bridge is perhaps one of the vital widespread issues to do in town. In truth, photographing Golden Gate Bridge is what most individuals prioritize when visiting. The iconic Art Deco suspension bridge is a attribute vivid pink coloration and spans 4,200 ft. To make a day journey out of it, you’ll be able to stroll, cycle, or drive throughout – ideally do all three. Walking is greatest in the event you can stroll for 20 minutes in typically windy situations. It is likely one of the greatest climbing trails in and round San Francisco, and in case you are fortunate, you’ll be able to typically see whales from the bridge.

best day trips from san francisco golden gate bridge
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Getting to the Golden Gate Bridge takes simply 50 minutes from San Fran metropolis middle by public transport or 20 minutes by automobile. However, we’ve added it on as a day journey since you ought to permit at the least half-hour to stroll throughout the bridge whereas taking images and one other 20 minutes to go as much as one of many viewpoints. If you determine to stroll again, you’ll quickly spend over half a day on this attraction. And that’s with out exploring Marin Headlands.

Distance from San Francisco: 20 minutes by automobile or 50 minutes by public transport

32. Half Moon Bay

best day trips from san francisco half moon bay
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Half Moon Bay is one other agency favourite for unbelievable day journeys from San Francisco. The small metropolis seems to be unassuming however is dwelling to among the most lovely seashores in the area. Its string of sandy seashores is related by the California Coastal trailhead. This beautiful hike spans 1,200 miles however could be accomplished in a manageable snippet. If you go to Half Moon Bay and fancy a coastal stroll, attempt the California Coastal trailhead by Manhattan Beach to Pillar Point Beach. This 2.5-hour hike is way more appropriate for a day journey and can showcase the perfect of town’s seashores.

Getting to Half Moon Bay is a straightforward 45 minutes by automobile. You simply head south alongside the Cabrillo Highway, and voila, Half Moon Bay rears its lovely head.

Distance from San Francisco: 45 minutes by automobile

33. Santa Cruz Mountains

The Santa Cruz Mountains are our closing addition to this information and simply the most effective day journeys from San Francisco. The mountain vary stretches from the city areas south of San Jose – like Los Gatos – and down in direction of Monterey Bay. The Santa Cruz Mountains might be dreamy in the event you like serene pure environments. The vary has a heavy scattering of gorgeous redwood timber, solely briefly damaged up by cleared land for wineries or the odd climbing path. You can discover on foot or by mountain bike; the selection is yours.

The mountains are 1 hour and 40 minutes away from town middle of San Fran, so a straightforward drive in the event you lease a automobile. Plus, the route takes you previous stylish Los Gatos and the scenic coastal cities alongside San Francisco Bay. The Santa Cruz Mountains have been a particular winner in the good open air for a while.

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour and 40 minutes by automobile

Best Day Trips from San Francisco: FAQs

Day Trips From San Francisco FAQ Santa Cruz Wharf
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How fabulous do these 33-day journey concepts look? Your choices are excitingly infinite if in case you have a number of days or extra in San Fran. You could possibly be admiring redwoods, visiting island prisons, or driving horseback by means of rolling hills earlier than wine tasting. Before you select any of these unbelievable actions, although, take a look at these prime FAQs.

What is a day journey from San Francisco?

There are over 30 widespread day journeys from San Francisco, together with Napa Valley, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the Muir Woods National Monument.

What different locations to go to close to San Francisco?

You might go to Carmel by the Sea, Napa Valley, Yosemite National Park, Angel Island, or Point Reyes National Seashore.

Can you do a day journey to Lake Tahoe from San Francisco?

Yes, Lake Tahoe is a possible day journey from San Francisco. However, we’d advocate staying in a single day as there may be a lot to do.

Where can I journey for someday?

There are greater than 30 locations close to San Francisco that you could possibly journey to for a day, together with Angel Island, San Jose, and Mount Tamalpais State Park.

To Conclude

Fun Day Trips From San Francisco Amusement park
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San Fran is right for sightseeing and exploring totally different sights. However, as you’ll be able to see, it’s value branching out with day journeys. You might head to a nature protect (preserve your eyes out for native animals just like the San Francisco garter snake) or head to an amusement park overlooking a sandy seashore. You might even change issues up fully with a go to to a special metropolis, like San Jose. Anyone visiting San Francisco ought to significantly contemplate taking a day journey – particularly in the event that they keep in town for greater than 72 hours.

Regarding the place to remain in San Francisco, you’ll be thrilled with the variety of boutique motels and scenic neighborhoods. San Fran is our bread and butter, so take a look at our present sources to bag the appropriate place for you. Accommodation and neighborhood are two massively influential elements that may actually form your journey, so keep in mind to analysis them too, not simply day journeys in your itinerary.

Plan Your Next Trip To San Francisco With These Resources



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